The constituency

CONSTITUENCY PROFILE:

The Edinburgh West constituency covers 96.2 square km and is divided into 10 Council wards: Cramond, Kirkliston (including Dalmeny and Ratho), Craigleith, Davidson's Mains, East Craigs, Gyle, Muirhouse/Drylaw (part), North East Corstorphine, South East Corstorphine and South Queensferry.

SOME FACTS:

• It is mainly a suburban residential constituency, with a large proportion of owner-occupied houses (74%).

• Cramond, The Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh Zoo, The Western General Hospital, Royal Highland Showground, Queen Margaret University College, the HQ of the Royal Bank of Scotland and Edinburgh Airport all contribute to the constituency's place of importance within Edinburgh.

• The economy of the constituency is dominated by the service industry and the area supports approximately 1050 businesses.

• The west of the city has witnessed a major expansion in recent years with new housing and offices, including a major business park at South Gyle (Edinburgh Park) where many blue chip companies have relocated their corporate headquarters.

• The Gyle Shopping Centre - housing 70 businesses and shops - and increases in traffic levels have made transport a definite issue on this side of the city.

• The Airport and Forth Rail Bridge mean that a large proportion of access to Edinburgh is conducted through the constituency.

• The constituency is paradoxical in terms of the varying needs of its wards - from Muirhouse to Cramond.

• Over 40% of males are employed full-time.

• Unemployment benefit claimants have fallen to just over 2.2% (from 5% in 1996), the lowest of any Edinburgh constituency.

• The total population is 77,517, with 32,969 households.

• The electorate is currently 59,529.

For further information on the Edinburgh West Constituency, contact the West Edinburgh Constituency Office.